BMW will bring an acclaimed new generation 3.0-litre diesel engine to Australia in 2009. Deliveries of the new BMW 330d Sedan are expected to commence in the second quarter. The 330d uses a new generation all aluminium high output turbocharged 180 kW six-cylinder engine that develops a substantial 520 Nm of torque.

Peak power is delivered at 4,000 rpm and peak torque is available between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The 330d will be available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite having significantly more torque than any other BMW 3 Series Sedan, the 330d returns incredibly frugal fuel consumption at 6.8-litres per 100 km on the combined fuel cycle.

As a result, the BMW 330d qualifies for the higher Luxury Car Tax threshold of $75,000 before the tax is applied, meaning 330d customers will pay less LCT than those purchasing thirstier vehicles.

The 3.0-litre straight-six engine accelerates the 330d from 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h. Carbon dioxide emissions are just 180 g/km.

The new BMW 330d joins the just revealed new look BMW 3 Series Sedan line-up which goes on sale in Australia on November 22. This range starts with the 320i Executive at $54,500.

Like the BMW 330d Sedan, the four-cylinder 320d Executive, priced from $57,500, benefits from the LCT concession, as its combined fuel economy performance is well below the 7.0-l/100km limit at 6.0-l/100 km.

Pricing for the BMW 330d will be announced closer to launch.

"BMW continues to roll out the fruits of its industry-leading EfficientDynamics engine programme in Australia which brings the triple benefits of high-performance, low consumption and low emissions," said Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia.

"The new BMW 330d Sedan gives our customers the opportunity to mix V8 engine performance with four-cylinder fuel economy, but at the same time delivering the tangible delights of our highly-acclaimed straight-six cylinder engines.

"BMW in Australia has been selling increasing volumes of diesel-engined vehicles each year. Our customers really appreciate the benefits of these high torque, low consumption engines.

"Now we can offer a truly muscular diesel performance option in our most popular body style. It's a mix we are certain will be extremely popular in this segment of the market," he said.

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